UFO - Saying Goodbye To A Dear Old Friend

by Matman

A few years ago I wrote my first music biography, UFO - YOUR FAVORITE BAND"S FAVORITE BAND, my love letter to one of my favorite bands ever, UFO.  If you haven't read the book let me give you a quick introduction to why I love UFO so much!  As a young fan discovering his own musical destiny, I would always read interviews with my favorite bands and musicians singing the praises of a UK band called UFO.  Without any way to hear their music in 1982 except buying an album I picked up a copy of their then current album, MECHANIX (at Caldors) and fell in love instantly. UFO had power, solid musicianship, catchy songs and a singer that sang with honesty and conviction... everything I loved in my music. 

I began an obsession that year with two bands in 1982, UFO and ASIA, the latter being my second book, ASIA - TIME AND TIME AGAIN.  From MECHANIX I worked my way backwards in their catalog, loving every album and line-up for what they were delivering. I also discovered the bands that former members would be a part of or came from and gain, my musical awakening took another amazing turn. Despite their working dysfunction, drug and alcohol problems and member conflicts, each album and each song would speak to my soul and color my world like not too many others.  In fact, when I was singing in the band Head First, we used to open our shows with We Belong To The Night!

UFO would break up, reform, split again, come back in a different form, disband, return with the classic line-up, divorce, fight over the name and then in 2004, UFO would return to a consistent tour/album/tour cycle.  Sadly for me and so many fans, this all comes to an end this year with one of the band's final shows happening at the Wolf Den in Uncasville, CT on November 2nd.  

How do I feel?  Emotionally I'm all over the place. I'm so sad that it's all coming to an end but happy that the band can finally say goodbye on their terms and on a high note.  For founding members, vocalist Phil Mogg and drummer Andy Parker, I'm happy they'll be able to sit back, relax and reflect on their legacy and take pride in what they created and maintained.  For guitarist Vinnie Moore (a member since 2003), I want to thank for maintaining the class and skills the songs needed and I look forward to diving deeper into your latest solo album, SOUL SHIFTER. A thank you to guitarist/keyboardist Neil Carter for returning to the fold following the sad loss of Paul Raymond.  I can't wait to finally see you on stage.  And finally, a huge thank you to bassist Rob De Luca (a member for almost 10 years). Your friendship was unexpected, your talent unquestioned and being able to 'hold it all down' live is something to behold. Now let's get Spread eagle on the road!!!!!      

If you haven't seen UFO live you have a few opportunities left, so get out there!!!! I guarantee you that you won't regret it.  Not only does UFO have an incredible catalog of music but they are awesome on stage. Prior to my books release I got to meet Phil Mogg and Andy Parker and found them to be very kind, gracious with their time and appreciative of my work on the book. I don't know if I'll get to see them again but if I do I will again thank them for everything and hope they enjoy their non rock 'n' roll life. 

UFO, I miss you already....        

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